Rep. Mari Leavitt

Maddy summaryHB 2229 updates Washington's engineering registration laws by revising definitions of key terms like "practice of engineering" and "significant structures" to clarify which projects require licensed oversight. It specifies that "significant structures" include hospitals, bridges over 200 feet, buildings over five stories, and other high-risk facilities. The bill also changes the licensing board composition to require five licensed engineers and two licensed land surveyors, each with at least 10 years of active practice. These changes directly affect professional engineers and land surveyors by defining scope of practice and board governance under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 2296 allows Washington homeowners to install one small, customer-owned energy device (like solar panels or battery systems) on their home electricity meter, subject to safety and compatibility rules. Utilities must approve these devices within 90 days (for large utilities) or 180 days (for small utilities), cannot ban them locally, and must post approval decisions online. Devices must meet national safety standards, work with smart meters, not interfere with utility access or meter functions, and be certified by a testing lab. Homeowners pay for any utility service work related to the device installation, and utilities cannot be held liable for damage caused by approved devices. This directly affects residential electricity customers and utilities across Washington.

Maddy summaryHB 2192 updates Washington's Traffic Safety Commission to more systematically identify risk factors causing roadway fatalities. It establishes a new "fatality review committee" of traffic safety experts to analyze collisions resulting in death or serious injury, including those involving bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists. The bill amends the Commission's purpose to focus explicitly on identifying these risk factors and coordinating statewide safety programs. This change directly affects the Commission's operations and how collision data is reviewed to inform future safety initiatives.

Maddy summaryWashington State's HB 2525 establishes a heritage orchard program managed by Washington State University to conserve rare and historical apple varieties. The program requires WSU to maintain a registry of orchards meeting specific criteria (either containing at least five trees over 74 years old or one tree of a rare/lost variety) and to track documented rare apple types. This initiative directly affects Washington orchard owners with heritage trees or rare varieties, aiming to preserve agricultural history. The program becomes effective only if dedicated funding is secured by June 30, 2026, as specified in the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 2165 makes it a gross misdemeanor to intentionally create, possess, or display fake law enforcement items (like badges, vehicle decals, or insignia) that falsely identify someone as a sworn peace officer or reserve officer, or to misrepresent ordinary items as police property. It directly affects individuals or businesses selling or using fake police gear, such as costume shops or people posing as officers. Key exceptions include items clearly marked as honorary roles, historical displays, or protected artistic/satirical works (like parodies or educational materials). The law does not prohibit legitimate uses like historical reenactments or news coverage, and it specifies that the fake item must be displayed in a way that would reasonably mislead others.

Maddy summaryHB 2521 establishes a centralized, automated firearms background check system in Washington State, requiring all firearm dealers to use this system for background checks before sales or transfers. The system must check against multiple databases (including state crime records, court systems, and health databases) and provide dealers with instant results via a web portal or phone, including unique identifiers for each check. It sets a $18 maximum fee for background checks (replacing the existing fee) and creates an appeal process for applicants denied due to errors. The bill directly affects firearm dealers (who must use the system) and firearm purchasers (whose backgrounds are checked), with the system mandated to be fully operational by July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2429 establishes a Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group to address barriers in accessing care for children, youth, and young adults in Washington State. The work group, composed of diverse stakeholders including providers, families, youth representatives, tribal leaders, and agency officials, will monitor existing programs, improve coordination between education and health systems, and recommend strategies to expand access to services - particularly for young children (prenatal to age 5) and underserved communities. Key provisions include advising on implementing a statewide strategic plan, removing systemic barriers, and promoting equal insurance coverage for behavioral health compared to physical health. The bill directly affects children and families seeking mental health support by aiming to create a more integrated, equitable system.

Maddy summaryHB 2505 exempts certain former foster care providers from needing adult family home licensure when they continue caring for their former foster youth in their homes. It directly affects individuals who previously operated foster family homes for at least three years or held a child-specific license under Washington law. Key provisions require these providers to have no substantiated child or adult protective services findings, care only for their former foster youth, and comply with background checks. The bill amends state law to remove licensure requirements for these specific cases while maintaining safety safeguards.

Maddy summaryHB 2248 amends Washington State laws governing corporate filings processed by the Secretary of State's Corporations and Charities Division. It requires trademark assignments to be recorded with the Secretary of State to be valid against subsequent purchasers, adds specific information requirements for international student exchange organizations seeking registration, and clarifies procedures for submitting entity filings and annual reports (including details like registered agent addresses and business descriptions). The bill directly affects businesses, nonprofits, and international student placement organizations that file documents with the Secretary of State. Key changes include standardizing filing timelines, requiring updated information for registered entities, and specifying how the Secretary of State must handle rejected filings.

Maddy summaryHB 2249 expands an existing exemption in Washington's civil service rules to include employees of Washington Technology Solutions (WTS) who handle network security, systems integration, and IT management. This specifically affects WTS staff performing IT security, data center management, and network systems engineering duties. The bill amends RCW 41.06.070 to add these positions to a list of state employees already exempt from standard civil service regulations. As a result, these IT workers will not be subject to the same hiring, promotion, and personnel rules that apply to most other state employees.